Abu Dhabi’s efforts to protect marine life recognized by UN – News

The emirate’s coastline is home to an array of marine life including 500 species of fish, 7 species of marine reptiles, 3 species of dolphins

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Abu Dhabi’s efforts to protect its coastline, marine life and restore corals, mangroves and seagrasses have been recognized by the United Nations as one of 10 pioneering actions to revitalize the natural world.

Efforts in the UAE capital have been hailed by the United Nations Environment Program as a flagship initiative for world recovery, meaning the measures taken by Abu Dhabi are now eligible for UN support, funding or technical expertise.

In March 2022, the United Nations is asking countries to nominate a World Restoration Flagship, in recognition of the most ambitious and impactful global initiative to rebuild degraded ecosystems. Governments are invited to showcase their most inspiring efforts by 31 March 2022.

Abu Dhabi’s recognition came during the United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Montreal, Canada.

Abu Dhabi’s coastline is home to an array of marine life including 500 species of fish, 7 species of marine reptiles, 3 species of dolphins, 1 species of finless porpoise and the dugong, the world’s only purely herbivorous marine mammal.

In response to the impact of urban development, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, together with partners, conservationists and communities, are planting mangroves, transplanting healthy corals and creating nurseries for seagrass, restoring the coast and creating a safe haven for marine life.

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Abdulla Al Remeithi, Director of Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning at the Abu Dhabi Environment Authority, told the “Journey to Net Zero” forum hosted by Khaleej Times in November that the UAE capital will plant 1 million mangroves in an effort to achieve net zero goals and the The emirate also relies on the role of the private sector to achieve its goals.

“This is thought to be critical to dugongs. The mammal, which was once frequent in tropical and subtropical waters from East Africa to Vanuatu, is now considered vulnerable to extinction. When seagrass restoration efforts in Abu Dhabi are complete, 3,000 are expected dugongs and more than 4,000 green turtles feed and breed in this habitat,” said the United Nations Environment Programme.

“Human activity has tragically pushed many marine animals, such as dugongs, towards extinction. Abu Dhabi’s efforts to restore coastal habitats are a clear sign that it is not too late to change course and give nature a second chance It is an example of what is possible to live in harmony with nature, and that is what these World Restoration Flagships demonstrate,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme.

“Abu Dhabi’s coastal and marine areas are important biodiversity hotspots. We see the challenges facing our critical coastal and marine habitats and we are delighted that our restoration efforts have been recognized by the United Nations,” said Abu Dhabi said UNEP Secretary-General Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri.